Independent mother Minnie Driver

The 'Good Will Hunting' actress - who is currently eight months pregnant and has so far refused to reveal the identity of her baby's father - is looking forward to raising her child alone and claims it is empowering to be able to speak out about her independent plans.

She said: "It's great to be an independent creature. Today you don't need a man anymore. In the old days, have a baby without marriage and people would put you out. Today you speak about it on talk shows. I'm very into feeling this female thing."

The 38-year-old actress insists it is up to the father of her child to speak out if he wants to.

Minnie - who does not plan to have him present at the birth -said: "I'm not married and I don't know if I'll stay with the guy. If he wants to come out and talk about it, he's more than welcome to. But since he doesn't live in the public eye, it's something I want to keep private."